How to Get to Gozo: Complete Guide (Ferry, Fast Ferry & Best Tours)

By / August 23, 2026

Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island, is easy to reach — whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying longer, the crossing from Malta takes less than an hour by ferry, fast ferry, or guided tour.

While Malta can feel busy in places like Valletta, St Julian’s or Sliema, Gozo offers something completely different — a slower, greener and more authentic Mediterranean experience. In this guide, you’ll find how to get to Gozo from Malta, the best ferry and tour options, how to explore once you arrive, and where to stay.

Quick summary: Three ways to reach Gozo — the Gozo Channel car ferry from Cirkewwa (25 minutes), the fast ferry direct from Valletta, or a guided tour that handles transport for you. All three take under an hour.
ContentsHide
  1. 01Where Is Gozo & Why Visit
  2. 02How to Get to Gozo
  3. 03Exploring Gozo Once You Arrive
  4. 04Where to Stay in Gozo
  5. 05FAQ

Where Is Gozo & Why Visit

Gozo is the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, located just 6 kilometres northwest of Malta. Despite its small size, many travellers say Gozo feels like Malta used to decades ago — quieter, greener, and more traditional than the mainland.

Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay in Gozo

Landscapes
Beautiful Natural Landscapes
Gozo is known for its dramatic coastline, cliffs and countryside. Places like Dwejra Bay and Ta’ Cenc Cliffs offer some of the most impressive scenery in Malta.
Ggantija Temples in Gozo

History
Historic Attractions
The island has an incredible history dating back thousands of years. The Ggantija Temples, for example, are older than the pyramids of Egypt.
Ramla Bay's red sand beach in Gozo

Beaches
Fantastic Beaches
Gozo has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Maltese islands, including Ramla Bay, San Blas Bay, and Hondoq ir-Rummien.
Xlendi Bay at sunset in Gozo

Atmosphere
Relaxed Island Atmosphere
Compared with Malta, Gozo feels much calmer and more authentic — the perfect place to slow down and enjoy local food, small villages and scenic drives.

How to Get to Gozo

There are three main ways to travel from Malta to Gozo — each works well depending on where you’re staying and how you plan to explore the island.

Gozo Channel ferry crossing to Mgarr Harbour

Car Ferry · 25 Minutes
Malta to Gozo Ferry (Cirkewwa)
The Gozo Channel ferry is the most common way to travel between the islands. Ferries depart from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal at the northern tip of Malta and arrive at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, running every 30–45 minutes throughout the day and night. Both foot passengers and cars can travel on the ferry, and you only pay the ferry ticket on the return leg from Gozo to Malta.
Travel time to Cirkewwa: Valletta & St Julian’s — around 1 hour. Bugibba / St Paul’s Bay — around 30 minutes.

Check Ferry Schedule

Gozo Fast Ferry departing Valletta

Fast Ferry · Direct from Valletta
Gozo Fast Ferry from Valletta
The Gozo Highspeed ferry runs directly from Valletta, skipping the trip up to Cirkewwa entirely. It’s a great option if you’re staying in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s, and offers a scenic crossing with beautiful views of the Maltese islands.
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Guided · No Planning Required
Tours from Malta to Gozo
If you’d rather not organise transport yourself, a guided tour from Malta to Gozo can be the easiest option. Many tours include ferry transfers, transport around Gozo, guided sightseeing and sometimes lunch, with popular stops including the Citadel in Victoria, Ramla Bay, Dwejra Bay and Xlendi Bay.
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Exploring Gozo Once You Arrive

Gozo is small, but its attractions are spread around the island, so transport matters if you want to see several places in one day. The most popular options are a hop-on hop-off bus, guided tours, or renting a car, scooter, or taking taxis and Bolt.

Self-Paced
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Gozo
The Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops at all the island’s main sights — Mgarr Harbour, Victoria and the Citadel, Ramla Bay, Dwejra Bay and Xlendi Bay — letting you explore at your own pace.
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Guided
Guided Tours Around Gozo
Tuk tuk tours, jeep safaris and private island tours are all popular ways to see Gozo, and often reach places that are harder to get to with public transport.
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Prefer to skip the group tours? Book a full-day private guide instead.

Book a Full-Day Private Tour

Independent
Renting a Car, Scooter, or Taxi
A car or scooter gives you the most freedom to explore Gozo’s villages and beaches at your own pace, while taxis and Bolt are a simple option for shorter hops between sights.

Where to Stay in Gozo

If you have the time, staying overnight in Gozo is highly recommended — once the day-trippers leave, the island becomes incredibly peaceful and you can experience its unique atmosphere. From a quiet sea-view stay at Fort Chambray to a luxury base at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz or a budget-friendly historic studio in Victoria, we’ve rounded up the best options in a dedicated guide.

Where to stay in Gozo